Canadian Pricing for Updated 2025 Golf GTI and R Revealed

Volkswagen Canada has revealed that the gently updated 2025 Golf GTI will start at over $38,000, while the 2025 Golf R will start at just over $53,000. Both represent price increases over the 2024 model, albeit small ones.

The entry-level Golf GTI — and by extension the entry-level Golf — has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $36,495 before the non-negotiable $2,050 freight charge. That is an increase of $1,700 over the same model last year.

However, for 2025, buyers get a new, more intuitive infotainment system, which should solve the one major gripe critics around the world had with the hot hatch. With it comes new standard equipment, like navigation, dynamic road sign display, park distance control, and adaptive headlights.

In addition, it benefits from some visual updates and Volkswagen Canada is offering two new exterior colours to the Golf GTI’s palette: Alpine Silver Metallic and Slate Blue Metallic. In terms of options, Volkswagen Canada is offering 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels with summer performance tires for $500, a power sunroof for $1,250, or an Artvelour seating package for $500.

For 2025, the automaker is dropping the Performance trim and replacing it with the Autobahn trim. It will actually cost $500 less than 2024’s top GTI trim level, with an MSRP of $42,545 (including freight fee). As standard, it gets the 19-inch Queenstown wheels, the power sunroof and the Artvelour seats that have been borrowed from the high-performance GTI Clubsport that is only available in Europe. If they prefer, buyers can opt for leather seats that are heated and ventilated for an extra $1,200. Dynamic chassis control, driver profiles, progressive steering, as well as a Harman/Kardon sound system, a heads-up display, and three-zone climate control are all standard.

Unfortunately, the model will continue to be powered by the same 2.0L four-cylinder engine as before, rather than the souped up unit found in European versions of the same car. As a result, it continues to make a more than adequate 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, rather than the 262 hp offered to buyers across the Atlantic.

Whatever side of the ocean you land on, the Golf GTI’s (and the R’s) manual transmission will no longer be offered this year, leaving it with only the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Enthusiasts will have to go for the Jetta GLI if they want an affordable performance vehicle with a standard gearbox from VW.

As for the Golf R, it now starts at $53,045 (including freight fee), which is $1,800 more than the 2024 model. However, the model does benefit from an extra 13 hp, like its European alternative. In all, the all-wheel drive model makes 328 hp, the most a production Golf has ever left the factory with.

It, too, benefits from some design updates, like a new front bumper, a front lightbar, and an illuminated front logo. New 19-inch Warmenau forged alloy wheels are 20 per cent lighter than the wheels that 2024 model rolled on. The only option on the standard Golf R is the power sunroof, which will add $1,250 to a buyer’s bill.

But wait, there’s more. Volkswagen is also introducing a new Golf R trim level: the Black Edition. It starts at $55,645 (including freight), and gets black badging, black brake calipers, and black exhaust pipes. Inside it gets real carbon-fibre decorative inserts, and its wheels are finished in (you guessed it) gloss black. The model also gets a standard power sunroof, but buyers with a little extra cash to spend can opt for the $3,000 Akrapovic exhaust system.

The 2025 Golf R is available in Black Metallic, Pure White, or Lapiz Blue Metallic. The Black Edition model gets a contrasting black roof on models painted white or blue.

All model year 2025 Golfs are now available to order, and will arrive at Canadian dealers this spring.

European models shown.